May 22 Update

HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students

The recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) that was set up to provide over $14 billion in emergency funding to higher education. More than $6 billion of this funding must go directly to students as emergency financial aid grants for expenses they have incurred relating to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19.

Certification and Agreement Acknowledgement:

Shorter University acknowledges that a signed Certification and Agreement was submitted to the Department of Education on April 9, 2020. This agreement indicated our commitment and assurance that Shorter University would use no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

Funds Received per the HEERF Grant:

Shorter University applied for and received a total of $604,040 for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds for students grants. The funds were received on April 22, 2020.

Distributed Grants:

As of May 22, 2020 $597,300 of the HEERF student grants have been distributed to students.

Grants Awarded:

816 students were eligible to receive an Emergency Financial Aid Grant received a grant.

Distribution Methodology:

To Determine the distribution method for the HEERF Grants, priority was given to students that lived on campus, purchased a meal plan and were Pell eligible. Additionally, all traditional Title IV eligible students received a grant to assist with the cost of transitioning from on-ground classes to online.

Student Classification

Grant Amount

Pell Eligible

$300.00

Lived on Campus

$225.00

Meal Plan

$225.00

Technology

$275.00

Student Information and Guidance:

The following email was sent to all qualifying students on May 12, 2020 to inform students about the upcoming disbursement:

Dear Students,

Shorter University is making Emergency grant funds available to all traditional Title IV eligible students. We have been diligently working to create the best possible relief package for you. We are pleased to announce that you will be receiving an emergency grant from the CARES Act Stimulus Package.

The emergency grants are designed to assist students with the disruption of services due to the closing of campus as a result of Covid-19. Shorter University used the matrix below to determine each traditional Title IV eligible student’s grant.

Example 1: If you are Pell eligible, lived on campus and purchased a meal plan. You are receiving a grant for $750.00 plus an additional grant of $275.00 for expenses related to transitioning online for a total grant of $1,025.00.

Example 2: If you lived on campus and purchased a meal plan. You are receiving a grant of $450.00 plus an additional grant of $275.00 for expenses related to transitioning online for a total of $725.00.

Student Classification

Grant

Pell Eligible

$300.00

Lived on Campus

$225.00

Meal Plan

$225.00

Technology

$275.00

If you have a balance on your student account this emergency grant will not change the balance that you owe. You can log into Scholar to make a payment or call the Business Office at 706-233-7222. You will receive your distribution via eRefund or check depending on which you are set up for.

We pray that you are staying safe and well during this time.

Cassie Potts

Manager of Student Accounts

The following Letter was mailed to all qualifying students on May 19, 2020. Included with this letter was the individual student’s disbursement check:

Dear Students,

Shorter University is making Emergency grant funds available to all traditional Title IV eligible students. We have been diligently working to create the best possible relief package for you. We are pleased to announce that you will be receiving an emergency grant from the CARES Act Stimulus Package.

The emergency grants are designed to assist students with the disruption of services due to the closing of campus as a result of Covid-19. Shorter University used the matrix below to determine each traditional Title IV eligible student’s grant.

Example 1: If you are Pell eligible, lived on campus and purchased a meal plan. You are receiving a grant for $750.00 plus an additional grant of $275.00 for expenses related to transitioning online for a total grant of $1,025.00.

Example 2: If you lived on campus and purchased a meal plan. You are receiving a grant of $450.00 plus an additional grant of $275.00 for expenses related to transitioning online for a total of $725.00.

Student Classification

Grant

Pell Eligible

$300.00

Lived on Campus

$225.00

Meal Plan

$225.00

Technology

$275.00

If you have a balance on your student account this emergency grant will not change the balance that you owe. You can log into Scholar to make a payment or call the Business Office at 706-233-7222. You will receive your distribution via eRefund or check depending on which you are set up for.

We pray that you are staying safe and well during this time.

Cassie Potts

Manager of Student Accounts

April 30 Campus Update

As the Spring
Semester draws to a close, we want to encourage you as you continue to move
forward in faith. We are proud of your
work to finish the semester well; please know you remain in our prayers. Rest assured in the promise of Hebrews 13:8
that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever and that He gives
us peace and joy in all circumstances.

Below are a few
updates for you.

Commencement

The University is planning a rescheduled Commencement ceremony for Friday, August 7, at 10 a.m. in the Winthrop King-Centre. While these plans could change depending on the recommendations of state and health officials regarding public gatherings, we wanted to give you as much notice as possible. Additional information will be sent out at a later date.

Diplomas will still be conferred on May 8, 2020, and will be mailed to all those who meet the requirements to graduate.

Residence Hall
Checkouts

Residence Hall
checkouts will be conducted May 5-8 according to the following
guidelines and schedule:

Checkouts will be done by alphabetical order
of students’ last name according to the schedule below:

Please make sure that you have turned in
your room key before leaving campus. After moving out of your
room, proceed to the gravel parking lot at the baseball field to turn in
your key. Key turn in will be done on a drive-thru system so please
remain in your car.

If you need to return books to the Bookstore,
you may do so prior to reporting to turn in your key.

All of your accumulated mail/packages will
be placed in your room prior to your checkout day.

If a student cannot report on the assigned
day, they will come on Friday, May 8.

If you or a member of your family have been
sick or are displaying symptoms of sickness, please do not come to campus.
Contact the Director of Residence Life to reschedule.

If you need to make other arrangements for
checkout, please contact Director of Residence Life Anthony Chatmon
(email: achatmon@shorter.edu or phone: 706-233-7315).

If you have not yet
signed-up for Fall 2020 housing please do so by Sunday, May 3. The online
housing portal will close on that day. Any housing requests after that date
will need to be processed through the Director of Residence Life.

March 31, 2020 Update

Good afternoon, Hawks!

We are praying that each of you is staying healthy and that remote learning is going well for you. Know that we miss having you on the Hill and look forward to the day when everyone can return to campus.

We have a number of significant updates to share with you.

Remainder of the Semester:

We will finish the remainder of the semester through remote learning. Faculty members will continue to work with students to successfully complete course requirements, including final exams.

Commencement:

Spring Commencement will not be held as scheduled. Diplomas will still be conferred on May 8, 2020, and will be mailed to all those who meet the requirements to graduate. We realize that this is especially disappointing to our graduates and their families. We are exploring options for recognizing the Class of 2020 in a future ceremony.

Retrieving Belongings from Residence Halls:

Residence Life will work with residential students to schedule a time for students to return to campus in order to allow us to ensure appropriate social distancing. Please note: both the City of Rome and Floyd County have issued ordinances calling for area residents to shelter in place through at least April 7. Students who live on campus will receive an email from Residence Life providing further instructions once the process can begin.

Register for Summer and Fall:

Preregistration for Summer and Fall classes continues. Students should consult their advisors before adding classes; they are checking email. To add classes,

Some form of credit or refund will be awarded for room and board for the time we are not on campus. The University must evaluate each student’s account individually to determine how the regulations governing the type of financial aid the student receives may impact the credit or refund amount. Guidance from federal and state agencies and the actual amount of time the campus is closed will impact the calculation of credits and refunds. We appreciate your patience as we study this complex issue.

Shorter is Here for You

Though the circumstances of the semester have changed, Shorter remains committed to our students.

The Office of Financial Aid continues to offer a full range of services via email and phone. Although working remotely, the staff has access to everything needed to answer questions. Students who have not already received their financial aid offers for the 2020-21 school year should check their financial aid Scholar account. We may need some additional information before we can finalize the offer. Students who are planning on taking classes this summer should complete the 2020-21 FAFSA as soon as possible. The Financial Aid team will send correspondence about financial aid or any missing documents to students via their HawkMail account.

Campus Ministries is filming weekly Virtual Chapel segments. They will be shared on the University’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Take time to watch them and be encouraged that the Lord is our sustainer.

Follow the Shorter University Facebook and Instagram pages and our @Shorteruniv Twitter account for #SUForward updates celebrating the promising future God has for the University and for each of us as individuals. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming #SUForward post, email dtolbert@shorter.edu.

If you have a prayer need and would like for us to pray for you, email us at prayer@shorter.edu.

March 23, 2020 Update

Please see the following video announcement from Shorter University President Dr. Don Dowless. Remote learning began today for all classes and will continue through April 10. We will continue to keep you updated.

March 19, 2020 Update

Our #SUForward emphasis has focused on embracing the future
that God has planned for Shorter University with optimism and faith. That
emphasis has never been more important.

We are navigating new waters for our communities, our
nation, our world, and for this University. As a Christ-centered community, we
want to encourage one another with the knowledge that we serve a God who is
powerful, loving, and in control. He promises to never leave us or forsake us,
to be our refuge and strength, and to give us peace and comfort even in
difficult circumstances.

All of us are learning to live our lives and do our work in
different ways, but the heart of Shorter is the same. We remain committed to
our mission of Transforming Lives through
Christ. We encourage us all to draw together as a community.

Stay in the Know.

Continue to check your email for important campus updates.
In addition, you will see our conversation ramp up on our social media so that
we can shine the light of Christ more brightly. Beginning today, we will bring
back our posts of daily Bible verses. We will be sharing stories highlighting
our students and campus community.

Stay connected with us by following Shorter University on
Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and the @ShorterUniv Twitter account.

Continue to Pray.

Pray for our nation and world, especially those who are
affected by the coronavirus. Pray for our leaders, our communities, and our
churches. Pray for the Shorter community, including students, faculty, staff,
and administration.

Allow Us to Pray for You.

We would also love to pray for you. If you have a prayer
need, email us at prayer@shorter.edu.

We are moving
#ForwardInFaith!

Please see the following Frequently Asked Questions to keep
you updated on important information.

What is Shorter’s current timetable related to on-ground
classes?

The University is taking the week of March 13 to March 20 to
transition to remote delivery of instruction.
Classes will resume in their new remote format on Monday, March 23. Please check your Hawkmail often for updates about
specifics on remote delivery. Online
classes are continuing as scheduled.

Will we return to class on campus this semester?

At this time, Shorter plans to continue remote learning
through Friday, April 10. We are
continuing to monitor the developing situation and will make an announcement
closer to that time about plans for the remainder of the semester.

How will my traditional courses change?

All traditional courses will transition from on-campus
instruction to remote delivery beginning on March 23. We encourage all students
to check their Hawkmail regularly as this is the primary method of
communication.

When will my classes meet?

All faculty must transition their courses to a
remote-delivery format. This can include moving a course online, teaching
live sessions through Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom, etc. A combination of
postings through Canvas, videos, etc. will be utilized.

Some professors may desire to have a live presentation of
lectures via Microsoft Teams, etc., which will be offered at its regularly
scheduled time as not to conflict with other classes being delivered in the
same format.

What if my work schedule conflicts with my course schedule?

It is important to note that even though traditional students are completing their courses remotely, they are still considered a full-time student at Shorter. It is imperative that their course schedule remain a priority, and all extracurriculars (including work) be scheduled around a student’s course schedule.

What do I do if I need tutoring support while I am remote
learning?

Since the on-campus tutoring center is now closed,
professors will be the primary source of tutoring during this remote-delivery
period. Students should contact their professor with specific questions or
concerns.

When will I be able to register for summer and fall
courses?

Pre-registration for summer and fall in Scholar opened
early. Students were sent an e-mail to their Hawkmail on March 13 with specific
dates and instructions. Additional information about adding courses when a
pre-requisite is not met and requesting online classes for fall was also sent
to students via Hawkmail. Students should contact their advisor with any
registration questions.

If a student is unsure who their advisor is, please contact
the Registrar’s Office at registrar@shorter.edu.

Who do I need to contact if I have any academic concerns?

All students are encouraged to reach out to their advisor
regarding their academic concerns. Students may also contact the Registrar’s
Office at registrar@shorter.edu.

When will the semester end?

The semester will continue to follow the 2019-2020 Academic
Calendar. The Academic Calendar can be located on the Shorter website under the
Registrar.

Will we hold Commencement as scheduled?

We plan to follow the 2019-2020 Academic Calendar. Should
the situation change, students will be informed in a timely fashion.

March 12 Afternoon Update:

In order to protect the health and safety of our campus community in light of the coronavirus, Shorter University will transition from on-campus instruction to remote delivery from March 23 through April 10.

The University will take March 13 through 20 as a time to complete this transition.

Students should check Hawkmail often for updates for specifics on remote delivery.

Online classes will continue uninterrupted.

All students residing in Shorter residence halls should vacate their rooms between now and Sunday, March 15, at 5 p.m. We understand that there are a limited number of students who may face unforeseen hardships based on extenuating circumstances and will need to remain on campus. Those students should contact Anthony Chatmon in Residence Life at achatmon@shorter.edu.

We encourage students to take all items of value and all materials (textbooks, notes, devices, etc.) that are needed to continue their studies remotely.

Shorter’s campus will continue to operate during this period, and staff should continue to report. The work of educating our students and caring for those who remain on campus will continue without interruption.

All university events, including sporting events and practices, are immediately canceled through April 10, ensuring appropriate “social distancing” and helping prevent the potential spread of the virus.

During this time, please continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations concerning the coronavirus and check the University’s website for updates. Also, please continue to remember in prayer people whose lives have been affected by this serious virus.

March 12, 2020 Coronavirus Update:

To date, Shorter University has no confirmed cases of Coronavirus. The University continues to follow the guidelines issued by the CDC and the Georgia Department of Health. We are monitoring the situation and will issue updates as needed.

What do I do if I have flu-like symptoms or was in close contact with someone I believe has Coronavirus?

Students:Contact Student Health Services or Campus Safety (706-233-7911 – 24 hours a day). Students may also contact their primary care doctor. If diagnosed with COVID-19, inform Nurse Al at 706-233-7278 or by email at astartup@shorter.edu

Faculty and Staff: Contact your primary care doctor via telephone. If diagnosed, employees should contact their supervisor (by phone or email) and Human Resources (blong@shorter.edu) and not return to work or campus until cleared to do so.

What can I do to protect myself?

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

If you have been in close contact with someone with Coronavirus, take your temperature twice a day and remain alert for fever, coughs, or difficulty breathing.

If you develop a fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing, call and speak with a medical professional before arriving at the health-care facility.

Is there anything else I need to do if I am a student who self-isolates? Contact your professors via email or telephone to discuss appropriate adjustments to course assignments.

Is Shorter canceling classes or events?

At this time, classes and other activities at Shorter will continue as scheduled. The University continues to monitor and evaluate with local health professionals what the threshold is for canceling classes and campus events.

March 9, 2020 Update:

Prior to Spring Break, the University established a task force to plan for and implement increased measures to protect the health of our campus community in light of the Coronavirus. We have compiled the following frequently asked questions to aid students, faculty and staff.

What do I do if I have flu-like symptoms or was in close contact with someone I believe has Coronavirus?

Students:Contact Student Health Services or Campus Safety (706-233-7911 – 24 hours a day). Students may also contact their primary care doctor. If diagnosed with COVID-19, inform Nurse Al at 706-233-7278 or by email at astartup@shorter.edu

Faculty and Staff: Contact your primary care doctor via telephone. If diagnosed, employees should contact their supervisor (by phone or email) and Human Resources (blong@shorter.edu) and not return to work or campus until cleared to do so.

What can I do to protect myself?

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

If you have been in close contact with someone with Coronavirus, take your temperature twice a day and remain alert for fever, coughs, or difficulty breathing.

If you develop a fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing, call and speak with a medical professional before arriving at the health-care facility.

Additionally, the University is adding hand-sanitizer stations in residence halls and near the cafeteria. Our housekeeping staff has also increased the frequency of housekeeping activities.

Is there anything else I need to do if I am a student who self-isolates? Contact your professors via email or telephone to discuss appropriate adjustments to course assignments.

Is Shorter canceling classes or events?

At this time, classes and other activities at Shorter will continue as scheduled. The University continues to monitor and evaluate with local health professionals what the threshold is for canceling classes and campus events.

Please continue to pray for those affected by the virus and those who have lost loved ones.

March 6, 2020 Update:

Shorter University continues to monitor the situation concerning the coronavirus. We are working closely with health officials and are monitoring information that is being released from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Continuing to keep watch over the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff remains our highest priority.

Shorter is not allowing international travel, and those who
have travelled internationally to countries designated Level 3 by the CDC must
undergo self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days before returning to campus. University
Campus Safety must be notified of these instances.

We encourage the entire Shorter community to closely adhere
to the preventative measures recommended by the medical community:

Washing hands frequently

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with
unwashed hands

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

Staying home if you are sick and running a fever

Coughing or sneezing into your elbow or using a
tissue to cover the cough or sneeze and then throwing the tissue in the trash.

We will continue to send updates through email and social
media should any significant information become available.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Shorter University admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the University. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, physical handicap, or sex in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University-administered programs.

ABOUT SHORTER

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review annually include Shorter on their lists of best Southeastern Colleges. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, as well as online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs.